This AmeriCorps position serves with The Nature Conservancy over an 11-month period in our Ashland Office to grow our volunteer support, provide education and training in stewardship and environmental practices, and advance our work in improving private and public lands. S/he will be responsible for a variety of operations activities in support of the Oregon Chapter’s engagement goals.
The Volunteer/Education and Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for performing multiple administrative functions related to the assigned program.
- Maintain, and continue to develop, a robust volunteer and outreach program in southwest Oregon through recruitment, event planning, and bolstering outreach materials and opportunities to engage diverse individuals and organizations in resource conservation activities.
- Organize volunteer events, engage local participants to treat invasive species, remove fencing, plant native plants, etc.
- Create stewardship activities that address needs and schedules of culturally and economically diverse individuals and families.
- Establishes and develops collaborative relationships with local schools, universities, state/local agencies, corporations and non-profit organizations that are involved in environmental education to promote, expand and implement The Nature Conservancy's educational initiatives;
- Assists in developing educational program content and/or curricula, including citizen science opportunities;
- Recruit, manage, train and retain volunteers to serve alongside TNC staff and at TNC and partner events;
- Communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public;
- May produce publications, materials to promote and increase public awareness (not fundraising) and correspondence;
- May process forms, prepare reports, monitor budgets, manage webpages etc… regarding the volunteer program;
- Review and implement TNC policies and procedures regarding volunteer programs;
- Scheduling and coordinating logistics for special events and/or meetings;
- Coordinate project with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing a timeline;
- Purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget; may assist with budget preparation and monitoring;
- Travels to and from preserves, meetings and events which are essential to the service of this position.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
- Collaborate with teachers, chaperones and large groups of children in natural settings
- Assists stewardship staff with preserve duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines;
- Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of service assignments and prioritize service independently;
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution, referring difficult questions and problems to supervisor;
- Maintain an independent service style, while monitoring your hours and having the ability to apply creative solutions to time management;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects
- Write, edit & proofread written materials for use with project development and presentation
- Serve as a team member for assigned projects;
- Service environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Satisfy the National Service Criminal History check eligibility criteria
- Experience in written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with MS Office
- Experience following instructions from colleagues
- Commitment to complete 11 months as AmeriCorps member
- Experience with organizational skills and ability to manage diverse activities to meet deadlines
- A valid Driver’s License
BONUS KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy
- Ability to write and edit written materials for use with program communications and special events;
- Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports;
- Experience in public speaking experience and/or education
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience coordinating multiple projects
This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other position-related instructions within the scope of their normal service activities as requested by their supervisor (Site Coordinator and/or AmeriCorps Program Coordinator) in alignment with the grant and not unallowable or prohibited activities and subject to reasonable accommodation.
This position is contingent on funding.
This position does have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations.